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Today almost all businesses are taking a serious look at environmental conservation and the crating and shipping industry is no different. Some in the industry are trying to make an impact on the environment through corporate policies and buying behavior. The dilemma is that the packaging and transportation industry, by its nature, is an eco-offender but there is opportunity for radical improvement.On June 1st, 2015, Craters & Freighters made a commitment to finance a sustainable initiative across the globe, partnering with Arbor Day Foundation and Trees for the Future. Diane Gibson, CEO announced that Craters & Freighters would “plant a tree for every crate our company builds, to help reduce climate change and create environmental solutions that benefit people and communities.”“Planting trees create a great hope for future generations. Our goal is to give back to communities and to do our part to help replenish national forestry, driving sustainability,” stated Gibson. “The simple act of planting trees will help to sustain our communities and the environment in countless ways.”

Some of the biggest changes to make packing materials more eco-friendly include the replacement of petroleum-based products such as polyethylene, styrofoam, and foam-in-place packaging that are extremely slow to degrade with materials that are more biodegradable. If polyethylene and polyurethane products are necessary for cushioning, they may be obtained from a recycling company. Air bags can also be used to replace petroleum-based packaging materials if the goods are not weight sensitive. Not only is craft paper, crimped paper, recycled shredded cardboard and plastic pallets more biodegradable, they can be recycled a number of times depending on their usage.

COO, Matthew Schmitz, highlighted Craters & Freighters longstanding commitment in providing expert packaging and logistics. “For 25 years, Craters & Freighters mission has been to provide innovative solutions for our customers, while giving back to our communities. The core mission hasn’t changed, and our new initiative adds a great deal of eco-responsibility, contributing to a better world.”

NEWS ARCHIVE

Craters & Freighters Sponsors Bridge to Bridge Cross Country Bike Ride to Raise Money for Homeless Teens and Young Adults

Craters & Freighters, the nation’s leading specialty packaging and shipping company is sponsoring Spencer Nee, a Colorado resident, bicycle enthusiast and former homeless man. Spencer rebuilt his life with the help and support of Denver’s Providence Network, a nonprofit organization devoted to providing transitional housing to the homeless struggling with addictions giving hope to kids and families in need.

Diane Gibson, CEO of Craters & Freighters is a longtime board member and corporate sponsor of Providence Network. “Spencer’s story is one of courage and gives hope to anyone facing similar challenges. We are proud to be part of this campaign and rooting for Spencer to achieve this dream,” commented Ms. Gibson.

ABOUT THE TRIP
The Fundraiser is called Bridge to Bridge, a 4,000 mile coast to coast bicycle trip across the United States organized by former Providence Network resident, Spencer Nee. Between May and August, Spencer will be riding from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Brooklyn Bridge with the goal of raising upwards of $100,000 in mileage pledges for Providence Network. He hopes to find compassionate guest riders to join him as he rides through cities and towns across the country. The money raised through this ride will support Providence Network's effort to focus on the growing homeless population of youth and young adults. Currently there are close to 1,000 teens living on the downtown streets in Denver without food and shelter. The money raised will make an immediate impact.

The coast to coast bike ride was organized by Mr. Nee, in effort to give back to the organization that might well have saved his life. “I had lost my way as years of bad decisions and alcoholism had stripped me from my family, home, friends, jobs, health, dreams, and hope. At the moment I decided to change I found Providence Network. Through their help, I have restored my relationships with family and friends and have rebuilt my life,” says Spencer Nee. “This trip is a chance for me to give back by raising money and awareness of the problem and for an organization that I really believe in — one that gave me the structure and support I have needed to live the last six years (and counting) sober."

Fla. trucking companies facing roadblocks

Fla. trucking companies facing roadblocks

Posted: Sep 25, 2014

CAPE CORAL, FL -

Florida may bear the brunt of a trucking crisis. Trucking companies are facing major road blocks from stricter government regulations, high fuel prices and a shortage of drivers.

Like clock-work, shipments come around the corner at Craters and Freighters -- a nationwide company with multiple locations in Florida. The Cape Coral shop ships custom crates all across the country and the world.

"We have the trucks on the road every day. We feel it every day at the gas pump," said Gary McKinley, owner of Craters and Freighters Southwest Florida.

The latest reports from the American Trucking Association shows freight movement in the United States is at all-time high. On the other hand, trucking companies are facing more road blocks than ever before.

Processing Power, Delivered by the Truckload

But only a few so-called “white glove” handlers operate in the United States… Craters & Freighters…

HOUSTON — Hidden off an unmarked, winding road near the George Bush Intercontinental Airport here is a 40,000-square-foot warehouse filled with boxes, most about the size of a tall chest of drawers. As soon as handlers load one truck, it seems as if they are unloading another...

...But only a few so-called “white glove” handlers operate in the United States, including A.G.S., Craters & Freighters, Ceva Logistics and AIT Worldwide Logistics, which specialize in transporting high-value computer equipment and the associated supply chain security and coordination.

Anniversary Marks 23 Years in Business for Craters & Freighters

Successful packing solutions company has been shipping the extraordinary for nearly a quarter of a century.

Denver, CO –July 18, 2013 – For the past 23 years, Craters & Freighters has been helping clients around the globe with their total packaging, crating and shipping solutions. These clients include Fortune 500 high tech and software companies, the world’s top museums and art galleries, and residential consumers.

Craters & Freighters was founded over two decades ago to meet the needs of companies and individuals with heavy, oversized, valuable, awkward and time-sensitive shipments. Requests that other shipping companies refused to handle.

“There isn’t much we haven’t shipped in the last 23 years,” said Diane Gibson, president and founder of Craters & Freighters. “Recently, we’ve ventured into the emerging unmanned systems and robotics industry. It’s a great niche for us because many of the prototypes being shipped need a custom design and engineering packaging solution. We’ll ship just about anything to anywhere. Custom designed and engineered, we have professional packaging engineers on staff to provide unique packaging solutions."

Throughout the years, Craters & Freighters has stayed true to the core principals that have guided its growth. Always looking for that next window of opportunity, the company saw the need to add Hazmat packaging and labeling to their menu of one-stop services.

Some of the more interesting items Craters & Freighters has shipped over the years include flight simulators, server racks, Ming Dynasty pot, Elvis’ guitar, a Maserati concept car, and Vincent Van Gogh paintings.

Looking ahead, the financial outlook for Craters & Freighters is bright. Even amidst a struggling economy, the company has grown an average of 8.25% since 2009. Last year alone, revenues totaled $48,387,088.20 with 66 locations across the nation, including new offices in Pittsburgh, Milwaukee and a future office planned in Birmingham, Al. The company is widening its reach into the international franchise market, and expanding services to include hard cases, robotics, estate sales and government subcontracting.

Historic GOP Elephant to Be Unveiled at Marriott Waterside

Historic GOP Elephant to Be Unveiled at Marriott Waterside by Jay Goulde, Executive Director of the Outdoor Arts Foundation

Tampa, FL – The Outdoor Arts Foundation announced today a large-scale, free-standing, red, white and blue Elephant sculpture that was featured at the 1996 GOP Convention in San Diego will formally be unveiled in the lobby of the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina, this Wednesday at noon. OAF sponsors, artists, local dignitaries and elected officials are expected to be in attendance for the unveiling. The Elephant has been in a private collection in San Diego since the’ 96 Convention and has made the 2,450 mile journey across-Country to attend this year’s Convention in Tampa.

According to Foundation Executive Director Jay Goulde “Acquiring such a storied piece of GOP Convention history was really a coup, we’re very excited to have it on display at the Marriott Waterside for this year’s Convention.”

The Elephant will be featured on a red carpet where Convention attendees and hotel guests will not only have the opportunity to be photographed with it but will also have the opportunity to buy it. A silent auction will be set up throughout the month of August with the high-bidder winning the opportunity to take the historic Elephant home.

In addition to donating the Elephant’s journey from San Diego, Craters & Freighters will also be coordinating the Elephant’s departure from Tampa in early September. According to CEO Diane Gibson “We’re known for being able to ship large and unique items but for something like this that’s so historic, it’s really a privilege to be involved.”

Mike Falconer, Marketing Director for the Marriott Waterside is thrilled to have the piece as well “Our property is going to be the hub of activity during the Convention, when Jay approached us, it wasn’t a difficult decision to have the Elephant here at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina.”

To for questions regarding how to bid on the large Elephant; or, to set up proxy bidding, please call Jay Goulde at (727) 954-4025 or email him at jgoulde@tampabay.rr.com.

Pelican Products Working With Craters & FreightersPelican to Provide Franchisees With Customized Packaging Solutionsas a Value Added Service

Torrance, CA – May 22, 2012 – Pelican Products (www.Pelican.com), the global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced lighting systems and high-performance protective case solutions, will be working with Craters & Freighters to provide their Pelican-Hardigg Advanced Case Solutions to franchisees across the United States.

With this agreement, Craters & Freighters’ network of 65 franchisees will have access to Pelican’s full product line (including more than 400 different case sizes) direct from the manufacturer.“With more than 50 years of reusable protective packaging know-how, Pelican is the perfect complimentary revenue stream for Craters & Freighters franchisees,” said Chris Marino, Vice President of Strategic Accounts for Pelican Products. “In addition to their existing product mix, franchisees will now be able to offer clients the added value of the widest range of custom protective packaging and service options on the market today.”

“We are proud to be working with Pelican to provide better service to our mutual clients. Craters & Freighters’ 21 year history as the leading specialty crating, shipping and logistics company in the US will help Pelican expand its presence within the industry segments it is targeting,” said Craters and Freighters COO, Rick Robinson. “At the same time, our customers gain access to a brand of products that is second to none.”

Craters & Freighters’ Florida locations join together to sponsor Dave Blaney’s #59 Sprint Car for the 2012 World of Outlaws Racing Series. Tom Leidig, the car’s owner contacted Russ Galik, owner of two Craters & Freighters’ locations including Orlando and Southeast Florida regarding the sponsorship opportunity. Galik, a longtime race fan was thrilled to learn about the chance to support Leidig’s team and knew other Florida Craters & Freighters’ locations would join the effort. In total, there are four Craters & Freighters’ locations sponsoring the car including, Orlando & Southeast Florida, owned by Russ Galik, SW Florida, owned by Gary McKinley, and Tampa-St. Petersburg, owned by Dave Amos.

Craters & Freighters’ trademark purple and yellow logo will adorn the #59 car’s roof wing and will be viewed by over 3 million race fans starting February 16th at Volusia Speedway during the 41st UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

Craters & Freighters was founded in June 1990 to meet the specialty packaging, crating, and shipping needs of businesses and consumers in all sectors including fine art, antiques, electronics, medical equipment, aerospace, bio-technology, telecommunications, and heavy machinery.

About Tom Leidig and his Racing Team:

Tom Leidig has been involved in racing all his life including as a driver and as an owner. It all started with Leidig’s father who was a race car driver. Leidig started out in Quarter Midgets as a young boy and went on to racing Sprint Cars in Ohio and the Midwest. Later in his career, he moved to Florida and raced Super Late Models throughout the state. He had one of the top cars in Florida and in 1998 he won the Governor’s Cup at New Smyrna Speedway.

After racing Super Late Models, Leidig then went back to Sprint Cars, his favorite form of racing. He started out with driver Kenny Jacobs on his team. On the second night out with the car, Leidig and Jacobs won their first race. Later in the season Jacobs was hurt in a wreck and had to retire.

Leidig then had Mike Woodring and NASCAR Truck Series driver, Erin Crocker driving for his team. After Erin, driver Brooke Tatnell drove for Leidig. In Tatnell’s first year of driving, he won nine times including two World of Outlaw Races. He is a very accomplished driver and has raced in the USA and Australia where he won numerous championships.

Since Mr. Tatnell is racing in Australia during the winter months, Dave Blaney will drive Tom’s #59 car this week at Volusia Speedway. Dave Blaney also drives the #36 car in the Sprint Cup Series for NASCAR.

Denver’s Leading Packaging, Crating and Shipping Company Provides Shipping Services To National Western Stock Show Art Exhibit Benefiting
Local Scholarship Trust.

Denver – Craters & Freighters, the local leader in custom packaging, crating and shipping provides its services to the Western Art Exhibit and Sale at this year’s 106th annual National Western Stock Show.

“The National Western Stock Show organizes and produces several events annually to benefit the National Western Scholarship Trust, including the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale. This year, the Trust awarded 71 grants for the 2010-2011 school year. The grants range from $2500 to $6000 and are presented to students studying agriculture and medicine for practice in rural areas at colleges in Colorado and Wyoming,” according to the National Western Stock Show Website.

Craters & Freighters of Denver attends the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale’s Red Carpet Opening Reception where hundreds of local artworks are sold as part of a silent auction to benefit the National Western Scholarship Trust. The Denver location provides local deliveries, as well as out of state crating and shipping to the buyers of the auctioned artworks. Additionally, shipping services are available for the remainder of the exhibit for any additional purchases attendees make.

“We’ve been providing our services to Stock Show attendees for about ten years now. Often times someone wants to buy a piece of artwork from the auction or exhibit but doesn’t know how they will ever get it home, and that’s where we come in. We protect the item for transit and local delivery and also provide custom packaging, crating and shipping solutions to visitors from around the country. If you have your eye on a large painting or sculpture, we can help you get it home! We are always happy to make our services available to the National Western Scholarship Trust and to be a part of the local Denver community by attending the National Western Stock show each year,” said Scott Simpson, with Craters & Freighters of Denver.

Many of the paintings are large, one-of-a-kind, and of high-value. Having an experienced shipping company handling them properly is a top priority. Once the exhibit comes to a close, Craters & Freighters of Denver will pack, crate and ship any remaining artworks back to the artists.

Craters & Freighters Opens Indianapolis Location

CRATERS & FREIGHTERS OF INDIANAPOLIS

Craters & Freighters Opens Indianapolis Location

Craters & Freighters, the national leader in specialty freight solutions, announced today the opening of a new franchise location in Indianapolis as a result of the area’s high demand for specialty freight handling services.

“We receive frequent calls from customers interested in specialty freight solutions either to or from Indianapolis,” said Diane Gibson, Craters & Freighters founder and president. Because of Indiana's great Central, Mid-western location and their exciting tourism trade relating to the racing industry and professional sports teams, we saw the need to provide this important market with our unique services.

Craters & Freighters provides expert packaging, crating and shipping services from locations nationwide. Unique to the transportation industry, the company engineers and builds customized shipping containers and wood crates to ensure all shipments arrive safe, damage-free and on-time. Some of the most unique, valuable and challenging shipments the company has handled include:

About

Craters & Freighters was founded in June 1990 to meet the needs of businesses and consumers for specialty freight handling, including pick-up, crating, shipping, packaging, tracking, insuring, and delivery of shipments that are too heavy, oversized, valuable, awkward, and time-sensitive for other shipping agencies. The company serves consumers and businesses in all sectors including telecommunications, electronics, medical equipment, aerospace, biotechnology, and heavy machinery. With Expertise that Delivers, our company dominates the specialty freight industry.

Trusted Solutions

Extensive National Network

Headquartered in Golden, Colorado, the company expanded through franchising beginning in 1991 and now has over 65 Nationwide locations. We are a full service logistics provider with bricks-and-mortar locations across the country. Specialty Crating, Packaging and Shipping for both residential and commercial clients!